Seven NYSS divisions for 2YO Colts at Yonkers
Yonkers, NY--One night after the freshman pacing fillies took their statebred bow, the first-season lads hit the tarmac, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $257,257 New York Sire Stakes Jim Meagher Pace for 2-year-old colts and geldings on Friday night (July 8).
The event, contested in seven, sloppy divisions, honored the memory of the Raceway's long-time corporate controller.
Steelhead Hanover (Joe Pavia Jr., $2.60) was the easiest of winners, taking the final ($36,951) foray in a debuting 1:56. Eschewing an early three-hole, Steelhead Hanover cruised through fractions of 29, 58.2 and 1:27.
Glass Prince (Dan Dube) cosmetically closed the final margin to 2-3/4 lengths, with Memory Game (Eric Goodell) a way-back third, beaten more than 13 lengths.
"He actually hit the bike in the first turn and sort of spooked himself," Pavia--who trains the son of Bettor's Delight-Special Beauty for co-owners AGC Stables, Dijo Racing, Steven Held and Joseph Barbera--said. "He trained down very well, qualified well (Pocono twice) and I was happy the way he handled the half.
"We paid $75,000 for him (Harrisburg) and the plan is to keep him in sire stakes for the summer."
Major Bombay (Eric Goodell) fooled very few in the $36,251 second division, grabbing the lead with an elongated brush before holding sway in 1:59.2. The son of Art Major-Armbro Bombay defeated JK Panache (Dube) by a measured three-quarters of a length. Sir Howie's Z Tam (Pat Lachance) was third.
Major Bombay, trained by Tony Alagna for co-owners Aaron Waxman, Louis Willinger, John Fodera and Major Bombay Partners, returned $2.60 to the chalky investor.
Bronson Blue Chip (James Rattray) was an upset winner in the $36,951 third division. The 18-1 ($39.60) proposition improved position down the backside, then picked off a fast-closing Raymond J (Dube) and tiring pace-setter Rock Man (Jeff Gregory) in 1:59.2.
Bronson Blue Chip, an American Ideal-Crystal Slipper colt, is co-owned by trainer Noel Daley and Ed Mullinax.
The $36,251 fourth Meagher division went to Piece of Art Work (Marcus Johansson, $11.40) in 1:58. The son of Art Major-Bronzer Babe sat behind odds-on Mr Erv (Andy Miller), then edged past, prevailing by 1-1/2 lengths. Sir Globalop Z Tam (Lachance) was third. Jimmy Takter trained the winner for co-owners Christina Takter, John Fielding, Daniel Plouffe and Falkbolagen Ab.
Friday's sixth ($36,951) statebred event was won by 3-5 choice Heston Blue Chip (Gregory, $3.30) from off-the-pace in 1:56. Coast To Coast (Stephane Bouchard) was second, beaten, with Twin B Hollister (Cat Manzi) third.
Linda Toscano trained the winner, an American Ideal-Shot Togo Bluechip colt, for owner Ken Jacobs.
The evening's other NYSS events, each worth $36,951, were won by:
Lawgiver Hanover (Art Major-Lauren Order); co-owners Rick Phillips, W Springtime Racing, Deena Frost; trainer Mark Harder; driver George Brennan; 1:56.4; $2.80;
My Boogie Shoes (Artiscape-Boogie Woogie Flu); co-owners (trainer) Erv Miller, Mary Jane Anderson, Leland Mathias, Mystical Marker Farms; driver Andy Miller; 2:00.2; $7.30.
Saturday night, Yonkers Raceway presents its two premier trotting events of the season, the $445,474 Yonkers Trot--first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown--and the $237,714 Hudson Filly Trot. There's also a cap giveaway, while supplies last.
Yonkers' regular five-night-per-week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) remains in effect. First post for all racing programs is 7:10 p.m.